BAYAN decries fraud in ongoing Cha-Cha petition signing

CEBU, Philippines — Bayan Central Visayas strongly believes that the ongoing petition signing for charter change does not serve the interest of the Filipino people, but of power-hungry politicians aiming to continue their stronghold in the government.

“This Charter Change is built upon lies and corruption as onground reports reveal that this petition has been deceitfully cascaded in the guise of financial aid as bribe,” said BAYAN Central Visayas chairperson Jaime Paglinawan, in a statement.

He said that the railroaded proposed changes in the 1987 Philippine Constitution include term extensions that would warrant political dynasties to thrive in the country.

“This is not just the local ruling class' interests but also of the foreign monopoly capitalists that they serve. Clearly, Marcos wants to railroad this Charter Change to allow foreign monopoly capitalists to own a hundred percent (100%) control of our resources and freely establish more businesses in the country," said Paglinawan

He said that with the Marcoses' collaboration with the US, their self-serving economic gains can only be ensured through deeper US military influence and control over the country.

He said that military bases will continue to be installed to "defend" the Philippines as its neo-colony source for raw materials, cheap labor, and surplus of production.

“The Charter Change will allow ships and aircraft to carry nuclear power and pose a greater threat against the people,” he said.

BAYAN Central Visayas urges Marcos Jr. to prioritize the real issues of the country, instead of focusing on this faux Charter Change and development.

The group said Marcos Jr. should address and prioritize the rising prices of commodities, unlivable wages, widespread contractualization, lack of job tenure, and neglect of basic social services.

It said that instead of a Charter Change, legislations like bills on genuine agrarian reform and anti-union interference should have been the focus of this Marcos Jr. administration.

It said that the junking of oil deregulation law and the removal of excise taxes on petroleum products should have been the priorities of the Marcos Jr. regime.

“BAYAN Central Visayas promises to campaign the halting of the Charter Change and the outright self-serving interests in revising the 1987 Philippine Constitution," Paglinawan said.

BAYAN Central Visayas is encouraging all democracy-loving individuals and formations to become vigilant in this fraudulent Charter Change and its petition.

“We strongly believe that we should constantly monitor all forms of maneuvers to railroad this Charter Change,” it further said.  (CEBU NEWS)